The Attitude of Christ

This is not the post I was going to write tonight. I was going to write about why it is important to talk to our kids about what is going on in the world and in our country. I will get to that later. This post, while born out of that thought, is different.

There has been a unique, and sad, result of the events of Sunday evening and the news of the death of Usama Bin Laden. There has grown a debate among believers as to what our response should be to his death. Some have responded with rejoicing and excitement that an evil man, a murderer and Christ hater has met justice. Others have expressed sadness over the fact that he is, undoubtedly, now suffering eternal torment. But more troubling than the difference in perspective is the arguing among believers that is taking place as a result.

My fear is that, in his death, Bin Laden will continue to be used as an agent of Satan. If he can divide Christians, and get us distracted, get us debating each other, then he can accomplish his purpose of thwarting the Gospel. Christians who are bickering are Christians who are not witnessing, who are not living power-filled lives for Christ. Christians who are bickering look, to a lost world, just like the world.

There are verses and passages throughout the Word that say we are to love and pray for our enemies. There are also verses and passages that tell us that God punishes the wicked and that blaspheme is not tolerated by God, that His wrath is not held back upon the evil. He is a God of love and He is just and righteous, all at the same time. We may not understand all of that, but it is all true.

Yes, we are called to pray for our enemies. Yes, we can rejoice when evil is thwarted.

Mostly, though, we can not let the world see us bickering and fighting over this...in that case, Bin Laden is just as powerful as ever and Satan gets the victory.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6